Strep throat is a throat infection caused by bacteria called streptococcus.
Who can get strep throat?
Getting strep throat is common for school-age children and children in daycare.
Strep throat is common in the winter months.
What are the symptoms of strep throat?
Strep throat can cause a sore throat or a tickling feeling in the throat.
Strep throat can cause pain when swallowing and bad breath.
Strep throat can cause a fever, headache, earache, or stomachache.
The tonsils may be swollen and bright red. Neck glands could be swollen.
There might be yellow or white spots of pus on the back of the throat.
The roof of the mouth may be red or have red spots.
Infants may have a runny nose, crusty nose, and little appetite.
Is strep throat contagious?
Yes. Strep throat is contagious.
Strep bacteria are spread through coughing, sneezing, and direct contact.
Children with strep throat are contagious until 24 hours after their first
dose of antibiotics.
How is strep throat treated?
The doctor will take a throat culture, a painless swab of the throat, to
see if your child has strep.
Test results will come back in 1 or 2 days.
If the doctor uses a rapid strep test, it will take about 10 minutes to
get results.
Strep throat is treated with antibiotics (usually penicillin) taken by shot
or mouth.
Antibiotics taken by mouth have to be taken for a full 10 days to clear
the infection.
Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol, Panadol, or
Liquiprin) or Ibuprofen can be given to ease aches, pain, and fever.
Throat lozenges, hard candy, cool drinks, and ice cream can help ease throat
pain.
Your child should drink lots of fluids. Avoid acidic juices (orange juice)
and spicy food.
Older children can drink tea with honey or gargle warm salt water (one teaspoon
of table salt in one cup water) to ease throat pain.
A cool mist humidifier or a warm, damp towel can help throat pain and swollen
glands.
How long does strep throat last?
When strep throat is treated, pain lasts 1 to 3 days.
Children can return to school or daycare 24 hours after the start of antibiotic
treatment and if their temperature and energy are normal.
Can strep throat be prevented?
You can prevent the spread of infection by washing dishes and glasses in
hot soapy water.
Wash your hands often, especially after caring for the sick person.
Avoid close contact with the infected person.
When should I call the doctor?
Go to the emergency room if your child has a hard time breathing, swallowing,
or keeps drooling.
Call the doctor if your child has a fever over 104 degrees F (or 40 degrees
C) or a fever that lasts for many days.
Call the doctor if your child can't open her mouth or drink liquids.
Call the doctor if your child has joint pain or is very weak.
Call the doctor if your child has a rash, earache, or glands that are swollen,
red, or tender.
Quick Answers
Strep throat is a throat infection caused by bacteria.
Getting strep throat is common for school-age children and children in daycare.
Strep throat can cause a sore throat, fever, headache, earache, and pain
when swallowing.
Strep bacteria are spread through coughing, sneezing, and direct contact.
Strep throat is treated with antibiotics.
Children can return to school or daycare 24 hours after the start of antibiotic
treatment.
One way to prevent the spread of infection is to wash hands and dishes with
hot soapy water.
Call the doctor if your child has a rash, earache, or glands that are swollen,
red, or tender.
References
Casano, PJ. M.D. Sore Throats: Causes and Cures. American Academy of Otolaryngology:
Head and Neck Surgery Public Service Brochure. (cited 2001 July 27). Available
from: URL: http://www.sinuscarecenter.com/throaaao.html
Rutherford K M.D. KidsHealth. Strep Throat (Group A Streptococci Infections).
2001 May (cited 2001 July 27). URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/pageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=107&cat_id=&article_set=941
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